Who will be crowned world champions?
Hosts RFU and Japan in final of the FIFA Beach Soccer World Cup Russia 2021™
Play-off for third place: Can Senegal collect their first-ever medal?
After ten days of spectacular action on the sand, the curtain will fall on the FIFA Beach Soccer World Cup Russia 2021™ on Sunday. Plenty of history has already been made at this edition of the tournament at Moscow’s Luzhniki Beach Soccer Arena – and there could still be more to come.
Hosts and two-time champions RFU have reached the final, confirming their status as one the big pre-tournament favourites. Yet their opponents are not another beach soccer giant like record champions Brazil or defending champions Portugal, but Japan, who are seeking to win the title for the first time.
Ahead of the tournament decider, Senegal and Switzerland will take to the sand to try and end their campaigns on a high note. Die Eidgenossen in particular will still have their dramatic and bitter semi-final defeat to RFU on penalties on their minds.
The games (all times local)
Sunday 29 August Play-off for third place (18:00) Switzerland – Senegal
Final (19:30) RFU – Japan
Did you know?
Russia 2021 on course to break records With 279 goals already scored at this tournament, the all-time record could be broken on the final day of action. The ball hit the back of the net 286 times in both 2006 and 2019.
Flawless in finals Hosts RFU have reached the final on two previous occasions, going on to lift the trophy both times. They beat record champions Brazil 12-8 in 2011 before defeating Spain 5-1 two years later.
History already made, part 1 Japan are the first AFC representatives to reach the final of a FIFA Beach Soccer World Cup. The Samurai Blue could also become the first team outside the UEFA and CONMEBOL zones to win the competition and the fifth nation to claim the title after Brazil (5), RFU (2), Portugal (2) and France.
History already made, part 2 Senegal are the first African side to finish in the top four at the FIFA Beach Soccer World Cup.
The quote
“We are really looking forward to facing RFU. I could never have dreamed of playing the hosts in the final here in Moscow. Now we want to win gold. The Russians have fantastic players and I know many of them well. We need to fight until we drop. Although we were soundly beaten in the group stage, the circumstances were different then. Now it’s all about the title.” Japan captain Ozu Moreira
